Botox Aftercare Guide · Cheongdam & Apgujeong, Seoul

How Botox works — and why aftercare is simple

Botulinum toxin (보톡스) temporarily relaxes the muscles it is injected into, softening lines caused by movement such as frown lines and crow's feet, or slimming an enlarged jaw muscle. Skin Botox uses very small, shallow injections across the skin to refine texture and fine lines rather than block expression.

The product binds to nerve endings over the first hours and days. Aftercare focuses on that early window: avoiding anything that might encourage it to spread to neighbouring muscles before it binds — chiefly rubbing, pressure and heat.

Timeline: what is typical

Jaw Botox may take longer for visible slimming, because the muscle gradually reduces in bulk over weeks. Timings vary between individuals.

Aftercare checklist

• Stay upright for about four hours; avoid lying flat or bending forward for long periods.
• Do not rub, massage or press the treated area on the day — including facial massage, gua sha and tight headbands or caps.
• Skip heat and exertion for the rest of the day: gym, hot yoga, saunas, very hot showers.
• Avoid alcohol on the day; it can increase bruising.
• Make-up: light make-up can usually be applied later the same day, gently.
• Facials and other treatments: ask the clinic before booking a facial, massage or device treatment on the same area soon after.
• Jaw Botox: chewing may feel slightly weaker for a while; this is expected.

Common, harmless effects

• Tiny bumps, redness or pinpoint bruises at injection points.
• A mild headache on the day, especially after forehead treatment.
• A feeling of heaviness in the forehead as muscles relax, which often settles.

When to contact the clinic

• Drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow, or an uneven smile.
• Asymmetry that remains after two weeks.
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing — seek urgent medical care immediately.
• Signs of infection at injection points.

Many minor asymmetries can be adjusted at a review once the full effect is visible, which is why patience until about two weeks matters.

Planning the next session

Botox is temporary; muscle activity gradually returns, often over around three to four months for expression lines, though this varies. Dr. Byun Jeik can advise on timing so you maintain a natural look without over-treating — see maintenance schedule.

Cost

Aftercare advice is part of your treatment. Fees are quoted after the 1:1 consultation according to your plan. Korean non-covered (비급여) aesthetic fees are set per plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I stay upright after Botox?

About four hours is commonly advised, avoiding lying flat or bending forward for long periods.

Can I exercise after Botox?

Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day; normal exercise can usually resume the next day.

When will I see Botox results?

Softening often starts within a few days, with the full effect at around two weeks.

Can I wear make-up after Botox?

Light make-up can usually be applied later the same day, applied gently without rubbing.

What if my result looks uneven?

Wait until about two weeks, then contact the clinic; many minor asymmetries can be adjusted at a review.

Related at Doje Clinic

• Botox
• Skin Botox
• Jaw Botox
• Botox vs filler
• Frown lines
• Crow's feet
• Filler aftercare

Medical information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis. Suitability, risks and the final plan are confirmed in a 1:1 consultation with Dr. Byun Jeik. Last updated 17 October 2026.